EU-Jamaica partnership at 50

Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, has characterised the European Union (EU) and Jamaica as reliable partners whose relationship is anchored in strong like-mindedness, shared values and a common global outlook.

He delivered the distinguished lecture marking more than 50 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and Jamaica at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies in Kingston on Friday, March 20.

McAllister praised Jamaica’s Vision 2030 – National Development Plan as a comprehensive and ambitious framework centred on the well-being of the Jamaican people. “The European Union supports Jamaica’s Vision 2030, and we are proud to contribute to your country’s successful development,” he stated.

Reflecting on the long-standing ties between Jamaica and the EU, McAllister traced the evolution of the partnership from its origins in early trade agreements to its current form as a strategic alliance addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and sustainable development.

He highlighted key milestones beginning with the 1975 Lomé Convention, a groundbreaking agreement that granted duty-free access to European markets. This was followed by the 2000 Cotonou Agreement, which shifted the relationship towards a more mature and reciprocal partnership, and later the 2008 CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which established reciprocal free trade in goods, services and investment.

McAllister noted that the 2023 Samoa Agreement, together with its Caribbean Protocol – replacing the Cotonou framework – reflects a modern and regionally tailored approach that strengthens the political and geopolitical dimensions of the partnership. The agreement prioritises region-specific challenges, including climate action and sustainable development, trade and investment, digital transformation, connectivity, youth engagement, human rights and democratic governance.

Today, EU–Jamaica cooperation is organised around three pillars aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica: digital transformation; the green transition, climate adaptation and renewable energy; and the transformation of Kingston Harbour into a world-class, sustainable shipping hub.

“Jamaica has always been, and we in Brussels hope it will continue to be, a key partner for the European Union on the international stage for defending democracy, the international rules-based order, and the fight against climate change,” McAllister said.

The lecture, titled “50 Years of EU-Jamaica Partnership: Achievements and Future Prospects,” was hosted by the EU Delegation to Jamaica in collaboration with the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

During his visit from March 20 to 23, Mr McAllister held discussions with government ministers, including Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge; and Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding.

He also visited the Houses of Parliament, where he met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Heroy Clarke, who also serves as co-President of the Caribbean–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.